Remote Scotland: Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tall Ship Explorer
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Sail to the Outer Hebrides, Shiant Islands and the remote UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda with tall ship Blue Clipper.
Your St Kilda sailing holiday begins in Oban, the perfect gateway to the remote and breathtaking islands of the Outer Hebrides. Sailing aboard the three-masted tall ship Blue Clipper, you’ll island-hop through the Hebrides, explore the wild Shiant Islands, and, weather permitting, make the 45-mile Atlantic crossing to St Kilda, the UK’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for both its natural and cultural significance.
This voyage is perfect for those who want to spend longer hours under sail, explore places few people ever reach, and experience the raw, elemental beauty of Scotland’s far west islands.
- Tall ship sailing from Oban
- Remote St Kilda UNESCO
- Wildlife: seabirds, seals & more
- Outer Hebrides island hopping
- Great for solo travellers & couples
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing the Outer Hebrides aboard Blue Clipper
Oban → Outer Hebrides → Shiant Islands → St Kilda
The Outer Hebrides offer some of the most dramatic and rewarding sailing grounds in the UK, with remote anchorages where mountains drop straight into the sea, miles of open Atlantic coastline, secret coves and uninhabited islands that reward those willing to make the journey.
Sailing from Oban on the west coast of Scotland, you’ll spend your days getting involved with sailing Blue Clipper. Hoist the sails and take the helm if you fancy it before anchoring up to explore some of the most beautiful and rarely visited corners of the British Isles. Some of our favourite anchorages along the way include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, Taransay, Scarp and the Monach Islands.
The wind and weather will determine the exact route of your St Kilda sailing holiday, and the skipper will have a clearer picture of conditions as you come aboard. While reaching St Kilda is never 100% guaranteed, the journey through the Hebrides is an extraordinary experience in its own right.
The Shiant Islands and St Kilda
En route, Blue Clipper will look to anchor at the Shiant Islands – known as the “enchanted isles” in Scottish Gaelic, and home to one of RSPB Scotland’s most important seabird recovery projects. Anchor up, go ashore, and explore rugged coastlines on foot while keeping an eye out for rare seabirds, fascinating archaeological remains, and wildlife at every turn.
Then, weather and sea conditions allowing, comes the crossing most guests remember longest. St Kilda lies 45 miles out into the Atlantic, west of the Outer Hebrides. The last residents were evacuated in 1930, and the archipelago is now home to over a million nesting seabirds. It is the UK’s only site awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and cultural significance – a distinction it shares with Machu Picchu.
- Nesting seabirds, including puffins, gannets and fulmars
- Over 2,000 years of recorded human habitation
- Archaeological remains dating to the Neolithic period
- Rich in wildlife, flora and Atlantic seascape
- One of the most remote landings in the British Isles
Humans have lived on St Kilda for over 2,000 years, and the island’s history, isolation and wildlife make it an exceptional destination for those with a love of natural history and a taste for genuine adventure.
Aboard tall ship Blue Clipper
Built in Sweden in 1991, Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. Her clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern give her a classic tall ship character, while her relatively modern build means guests enjoy an authentic experience alongside all the comforts you’d hope for.
Blue Clipper’s professional crew will show you everything you need to know, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed, sociable and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a friend, this voyage has a way of drawing people together.
- Six en-suite cabins sleeping up to 12 guests
- Full-size bunks, with a porthole in every cabin
- Heating and air conditioning throughout
- Spacious on-deck saloon, wheelhouse and galley
- Hands-on sailing with a professional crew
- Three kayaks and three paddleboards on board
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore Time
Night Watches?
Midges?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
More about Blue Clipper
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More holidays on Blue Clipper
Remote Scotland: Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tall Ship Explorer
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Sailing the North Sea from Norway to Orkney & Scotland
Scottish Island Hopping & Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
